Since the nodal axis moves clockwise/retrograde through the zodiac--whereas the planets move counterclockwise/direct, I wanted to know how to determine whether an aspect to the nodal axis is applying or separating.

I finished reading Deva's book (Evolutionary Astrology: Pluto & Your Karmic Mission) a few weeks ago. It was amazing! Very helpful, Deva! This was the first I had heard about aspect phases.

For example, my Moon is about 8 degrees past an exact opposition to my natal Pluto. With Pluto aspects, you start from Pluto, then move counterclockwise toward the other planet, correct? This would make an aspect of about 188 degrees, a separating Full Phase Opposition. If my Moon were just before an exact opposition, it would be an applying Gibbous Phase Opposition, correct?

But how does this work with the Nodes if they're moving in the opposite direction? Pluto is square the nodal axis, with the SN on the left (resolution node). Therefore, starting from Pluto, Pluto is making a 270-degree square to the SN. Although the square is very tight, my SN (using the True Node) is about 271 degrees past Pluto. So is this a Last Quarter Square (separating)? Yet at the time of my birth, the SN and Pluto were actually moving away from each other, applying to an exact square (Pluto & the NN were moving toward each other). Do I use this logic instead and consider this a Disseminating Square (applying)?

This little difference of just a couple degrees seems to play a big part in determining the evolutionary growth of the aspect's lesson--whether or not one has already reached a peak in a prior lifetime.

Oh, by the way, does EA focus on the True Node or the Mean Node? I've heard that some astrologers (of any paradigm) like to use the True Node in the natal chart, but the Mean Node in progressions and Nodal transits. This would obviously make a difference. In the above example, my Mean Node would actually be slightly less than 270 degrees away from my Pluto.

Just want to add that after you read the material Rad suggested you search for, feel free to post further questions or comments. Its just that many things have already been covered here at great length. Rather than rehash them, its easiest to first have have people read what's already been posted. After that, someone can always have questions or comments that have not yet been discussed. You are quite welcome to ask those or make comments, either as new posts or as add-ons to older posts.

As far as true and mean nodes, Jeffrey taught us to use true nodes with the reason true nodes are what exist in the sky. Means are mathematical abstractions that exist only in human brains. EA is about what is natural, not what is man made. Thus true nodes correlate to actual reality.

Just to clarify: when figuring out aspects involving a planet and node, there is no need to take into consideration the speed of the planet, correct? The way to figure it out is to "stand" on the node, so to speak, facing the center of the chart and from there determine if the planet is to the left or right of the node. Once that is figured out, the aspect can be determined. Correct?

Thanks. And sorry to go over this. I felt a little confused from the discussion on the thread I posted a link to, which I think is the best discussion about this on the board. The method of standing on the node makes the most sense to me...